Filming in Ica...

Buenos dias all! The past couple of days here is Peru have been life changing. Walking through streets made of dirt, with expensive borrowed camera equipment, has established a wide array of emotions within me.

On New Years Day, Tuesday, while filming at the construction site, I was given the opportunity to follow Florela, a cousin of Jose, around her neighborhood. She intorduced me to her best friend and her family and described their extremely unfortunate circumstances. Although I do not speak a single word of Spanish, somehow I understood her perfectly. Her best friend, or mejor amigo, is now living in her backyard and the position where the adobe house previously stood is the location of the front yard. Florela´s mejor amigo´s family was very kind and welcoming. Personally, I have not experienced a single hint of hostility amongst the locals. Although thievery is an issue, it is done only to acquire what is desired, not to harm.

Florela was entranced with my equipment and how it works. She asked me to flip the view finder around to face her while she played with her younger sister. How cute? After this, I stopped the tape and played it for her and her mother. Then I taught her the basic camera and tripod functions. I took the camera and tripod outside and allowed her to navigate the filming for a while. I could tell she greatly enjoyed it. Florela even asked me if she could have the tape to watch her work over and over again. Unfortunately, I can not give it to her because it contains some necessary footage. Also, the tape is incompatable with the VCR and DVD players her family owns.

Yesterday I was able to have a personal interview with both of Betty´s, our kind housekeeper, daughters. They very kind and welcoming when I asked some intense questions. After the interview, I received a tour of the house. Very nice. Good work SOW! I was then lead to a neighbors house where the ¨community kitchen¨ takes place. Because of the differing financial situations of everyone in Betty´s neighborhood, one person is given a stipend to obtain cooking utensils and be the host of the area. Almost everyone brings food to the ¨community kitchen¨ so all can share.

Despite the magnitude of fear that exists within the eyes of the people of Ica, a strong sense of solidarity has been established. This community strength just solidifies the future of the wonderous people.

Loving it here... Emily